YOUNG hooligans taking part in a late-night rave have vandalised Avon Bowls Club ahead of one of its most important events of the year.

Considerable damage has been done to the club house guttering at the rear, which was torn off and thrown onto the roof, and missiles have been thrown onto the green.

The vandalism comes just days ahead of the Club’s chairman, Mrs Dawn Edwards, in her position as President of Ladies Bowls, hosting her President’s Day on Monday, July 2.

Around 80 people from local bowls clubs in the area will be attending the prestigious all-day event from mid-morning onwards.

The club’s publicity officer, Pauline Baker said: “Avon Bowls Club has once again been vandalised by young hooligans in the area.

“This is not the first time it has happened. It has been going on for some time.

“They have climbed on a roof at the rear of Melksham House and have been throwing stones at people and at the parked cars.

“I understand they were there on Monday and later went on a rampage around Melksham town centre, causing mayhem.

“They were there again last night and I understand that a gang of youngsters aged eight to 14 is involved.

“They even cycled bikes across the green. Fortunately, the bikes made no impression as the bowling surface is very hard due to the current hot weather.

“Despite promises from Wiltshire Council - many moons ago - that they would keep the grounds of Melksham House policed, this is plainly not happening.

“Considerable damage has been done to the Club House guttering at the rear, and missiles have been thrown on to the green itself.

“It is evident that some sort of late-night rave was held down there as the place was apparently littered with rubbish in many forms.

“Phillip Wells, Club Secretary, has written to Wiltshire Council which has promised to look into the matter and talk to the local police to see if there is anything further they can offer in the way of protection of what is, after all, Wiltshire Council's property.

“The vandalism is very serious indeed and Wiltshire Council really need to ensure the security and safety of people using the area, including the many people who park their cars in the grounds.”

Wiltshire Council said: “We will organise for the repair of the guttering and for the debris to be cleared.

"We will also liaise with the local community policing team to see if there is anything further we can do to support with site security.”